Michael J. Sipula Jr, a lifelong resident of Ottawa, died Monday, November 25 at Ottawa Pavilion Center after an extended illness. He was 78. Funeral services will be private.
Born March 23, 1941, in Ottawa, Illinois, Sipula, the eldest of four sons who learned the game of golf from his father, Mike "Pro" Sipula, head professional and owner of Pine Hills Golf Club. Mike Jr. was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, served in the U.S. Army reserves and attended Western Illinois University in McComb before becoming a teaching professional and lifelong member of the Professional Golfers Association of America. Sipula was also the owner and operator of the Flamingo Lounge in downtown Ottawa for 30 years before retiring. He was an animal lover and liked nothing better than hanging out with his four-legged best friends.
Sipula is survived by his three children: Beth (Geoff) of Scottsdale, AZ, Michael III of Ottawa, IL and Thomas (Jennifer) of Freeburg, IL, his three brothers, John, James (Sandra), and Bill "BJ" (Bonnie) Sipula, two grandchildren, Lucy and Leo Sipula, several nieces and nephews and dear friend Sue Sipula.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike "Pro" Sipula and Ellawyn "Ma" Sipula and his former wife Margaret Stockley.
Memorials may be directed to Pet Project in Marseilles, IL.
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